A NORTH-EAST motorbiker has died whilst racing at this year's Isle of Man TT Festival.

Daley Mathison, 27, of Fairfield, Stockton died on Monday after crashing on Race Day 1's lap three at Snugborough on the approach to Union Mills.

Mr Mathison, who began racing when he was 12-years-old attended Darlington College, before rising to motorsport fame after his TT debut in 2014. 

The Northern Echo: Daley Mathison pictured in 2015 at Darlington College.Daley Mathison pictured in 2015 at Darlington College.

On his official website, a statement from his wife, Natalie, said: "Not something I ever wanted to write but here we go. Daley, as Daisy says, is now sleeping with the fairies.

"That’s all I can bring myself to say right now. The last image I saw of my husband, was of a man so happy with life and so proud of his racing."

Paying tribute to Mr Mathison, Sky Sports Presenter Ben Ransom said he was 'heartbroken' at the news.

Last year, Mr Mathison finished second in the TT Zero Race, part of the 2018 Isle of Man TT Festival.

The Zero Race, which features electric powered bikes that race without the use of carbon-based fuels, saw him presented with a prize from the Duke of Cambridge.

In his earlier life, Mr Mathison had become quite the star at his former college. 

In 2015, he teamed up with Darlington College to help 'drive forward' ambitions of motor vehicle students at the institute.

He developed the course for the September-intake, and students were encouraged to assist in the supervised restoration and preparation of the team's race vehicles. 

A statement issued on behalf of the organisers of the Isle of Man TT race said: "ACU Events Ltd regrets to confirm that Daley Mathison was killed in an incident during the Superbike Race today at the Isle of Man TT Races.

"The accident occurred at Snugborough, just over 2 miles into the Course, on the 3rd lap of the race.

"Daley was an experienced competitor and was seeded 19th for today’s race. He made his Mountain Course debut in the 2013 Manx Grand Prix Newcomers A Race, finishing fifth. His TT career included three consecutive podiums in the TT Zero electric bike Race in 2016, 2017 and 2018 including the runner up position in the race last year, representing Nottingham University.

"He also achieved an 11th place finish in last year’s Superstock Race and a pair of 13th place finishes in the 2017 and 2018 Senior TT Races.

"He set his fastest lap of the Mountain Course - 128.054mph - in the 2018 Superstock race which made him the 34th fastest rider of all time. He set the second fastest TT Zero lap ever with lap of 119.294mph in the 2018 race.

"In total he started 19 TT Races with 14 finishes and 3 podiums and won 6 silver and 8 bronze replicas.

"ACU Events Ltd wishes to pass on their deepest sympathy to Daley’s wife Natalie, his family and friends."

A spokesman for Darlington College said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former student Daley Mathison. 

"Daley was always so keen to give back to the college when he was embarking on his career in motorsport. He gave masterclasses and attended events to promote the value of vocational learning to so many.

"He was a vibrant person who was passionate about giving back to others and will be sincerely missed. Our thoughts go out to his family at this awful time.”